At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

7 nights in a 4-star hotel

5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day

Public transport used to access most walks

Altitude maximum 2359m, average 1500m

Enjoy gentle trails in the shadows of Mont Blanc

What better way to enjoy this spectacular part of the Alps than with a little added luxury? Based in a comfortable 4-star hotel in the heart of Chamonix town, the boutiques, cafes and restaurants are a short stroll from your door. Each day you will gain height into the surrounding mountains by train or cable car, saving the strain on your legs whilst still allowing you to see, and walk amongst some of the finest alpine scenery in Europe. From the sparkling azure waters of Lac Blanc to the tiny hamlets along the Petit Balcon Sud, the walking is both beautiful and relaxed. This guided walking holiday is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 3

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 5

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 6

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 7

9.0km/5.6miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Approximately 5-7 hours walking per day

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Chamonix.

You will be met by your leader at Geneva airport for your transfer to Chamonix (1.15hr transfer time). On arrival your leader will go through the weeksï¿½ walking programme. Time for a stroll around town before dinner.See more images and videos

A short scenic bus ride takes us to Le Tour, the highest hamlet in the valley, from where we gain further height by using the gondola. From here, (1880m 6160ft) it is a wonderfully colourful loop through archetypical alpine countryside and a tapestry of vivid wild flowers, alpine meadows and grazing cows with enormous clanging bells around their necks! The views from the Swiss border across to Mont Blanc and its gleaming white glaciers are truly unforgettable.

3Day 3Cable car to Plan d'Aiguille and traverse to Montenvers, optional visit to Mer de Glace glacier and descend to Chamonix

We take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to the mid station of the Plan d'Aiguille (2205m/7230ft) where we pick up our path towards Montenvers. Initially we descend a little and then stay at approx. 2000m/6560ft as we contour along the side of the valley. There are spectacular views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc behind and the sheer cliff face of the Dru and the Aiguille Verte in front. As we near Montenvers the path climbs on a series of well graded zigzags to our high point the Signal Forbes (2198m/7210ft). Your reward, amazing views of Les Drus and the Mer de Glace. A steady descent brings us to the Montenvers station (1890m/6200ft) and viewpoint over the Mer de Glace. There is time for an optional visit to the ice caves that have been carved into the side of the glacier. From here the path descends gently to Chamonix, alternatively you might like to take the historic cog railway back down to the valley bottom (the train ride is not included).
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4Day 4Free day. There are many options including local walks, cycling, visiting Courmayeur (Italy), or taking the cable car to the stunning Aiguille du Midi.

Today is free with lots of choice in and around Chamonix town. Perhaps take the cable car up the distinctive granite spires of the Aiguille du Midi (3,824m), or take the panoramic trip across to Italy and see the glacier up close. For a complete change of scene, you can pop over the Italian border into Courmayeur for a delicious pizza (local bus) or visit the lovely lakeside town of Annecy, with its multitude of water sports, lake cruises and gentle walking trails (train).

Today we enjoy a 30-minute walk to the charming village of Les Praz where we hop aboard a cable car taking us high above the Chamonix Valley to La Flegere (1880m/6160ft). Here we will be walking in the Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve with a good chance of spotting mountain ibex and marmots as we pass the peaceful Lac des Cheserys and climb steadily to the beautiful Lac Blanc. At (2352m/7715ft) this stunning pale green lake lies under the shadow of Mont Blanc, and is one of the highest points of the week. After lunch, it is a gentle descent (on a different path) back to La Flegere with stunning views throughout before taking the cable car back down to Chamonix. Maybe enjoy a dip in your hotel's stunning rooftop pool before aperitifs on the terrace tonight?
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6Day 6Train to Argentiére, walk back to Chamonix along the Petit Balcon Sud path.

The local mountain train takes us first to the traditional alpine village and glacier of Argentiere. From here, it is a lovely walk to the sleepy hamlet of Trélechamps, the C18 gite serves great coffee and their homemade wild blueberry is exceptional! From here we have superb views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi to the south. We then follow the Petit Balcon Sud path as we descend the Chamonix Valley, taking in the tiny hamlets of Les Tines and Les Praz en route. There is an optional detour to the Chalet Floria, with over 4,000 plants, its panoramic terrace is one of the most bewitching spots in Chamonix and offers unbroken views of the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Mont Blanc chain. It is less than 30-minutes on forest paths back to Chamonix.

7Day 7Bus to Les Houches then climb to stunning viewpoint over Mont Blanc; explore the Bionassay glacier and return to Chamonix by cable car.

Today we head down the valley to the village of Les Houches where we ascend by Gondola to Prarion. (1840m/6040ft) A short walk takes us to a spectacular viewpoint (1950m/6400ft) with a 360 degree panorama view of the Chamonix valley and surrounding mountains. We are close to the foot of Mont Blanc itself and she looms above us with her huge swathes of glaciers glittering in the sun. Panning around we see the Massif des Aravis then the enormous vertical cliffs of the La Chaine des Fiz. Further around again the Chamonix valley itself and the walks we have done during the week. Today's walk continues on well graded paths and we head to the bottom of the Bionnassay glacier. On the scale of other glaciers in the valley the Bionnassay is quite small but witnessing such a beautiful natural feature formed over 100's of years of snowy winters is a mesmerising sight as well as a pleasant spot to have lunch. A short walk brings us to the Bellevue cable car and our decent to the valley bottom.
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Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Airport transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (avaiable on request)

Accommodation details

Park Hotel Suisse - 4 Star

You will stay at the Park Hotel Suisse a comfortable, 4-star family-run hotel ideally located in the heart of Chamonix town. All rooms are en suite with TV, telephone, minibar and safe, with free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. Other facilities include a rooftop heated swimming pool with exceptional views of Mont Blanc, and sauna and steam room.

Single supplement GBP400 available on request

Room upgrades available on request - see trip notes for further details.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

Activity level 2 - Leisurely/Moderate. 5 days centre-based walking.

Walking Conditions
Although the pace of the walks is leisurely and there is plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views, we place this itinerary at the tougher end of the leisurely/moderate scale due to the mountainous terrain. Days average about 5-7 hours of walking (including lunch and photo stops) and up to 7-10km in distance. The routes throughout are not technical and no special skills or equipment, other than normal walking boots and weatherproof clothing, are required. Being in the mountains there are some moderately steep slopes to negotiate both in ascent and descent and short sections of some paths are rocky and rough underfoot. An average level of fitness and some walking experience is advised, with the ability to walk on an undulating path for approx. 5 - 6 hours. The proposed walks are just some of many in the area and the leader may adapt them according to weather or other factors but will always select walks in character with the trip.

Altitude maximum 2359m, average 1500m.

Eating & drinking

7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included in the trip. On free day 5 and both transfer days lunch is not provided. On the free day 5, dinner is also not included, giving the opportunity to try one of the many fabulous restaurants on offer.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

From late June to early October fair weather is to be expected, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and especially on the high passes it can be surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of 15 to 25degC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30degC in July/August), 5 to 15degC on the passes (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5 to 15degC in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August, and in September trips may find snow on the passes. Please note that on late season treks (September) the days are shorter and we will need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylight hours.

Gallery

Reviews & community

This is a great week of walking. The hotel is in a good location with great facilities. Stepping into the hot jacuzzi was a perfect way to unwind after a day of walking. The only problem our group had was the evening meals at the hotel. The quality of the meals were generally poor and we were not given a choice of meals as indicated on the trip notes.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Swiss hamlets walk was brillant, sun shining, stunning views everywhere you looked and a good cup of coffee at our morning stop.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alex was a superb leader, She was respectful of everyone's wishes, generous and thoughtful

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack your walking poles. Exodus does not make any comment about walking poles but anyone walking/hiking in this region should consider taking walking poles.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The reason I have not rated this trip higher is beacuse of the evening meals and as a premium adventure the cost of this trip is on the upper end of the scale making me question the value for money.

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